Japan, US plans major military drill amid China’s assertiveness

Japan and the United States will conduct a joint military exercise from Nov. 10, the Japanese Defence Ministry said Friday, as countries in the region and beyond are increasingly wary of China’s growing military might and assertiveness.

The drill, dubbed Keen Sword, takes place biennially around Japan. Some 36,000 personnel, 30 vessels and 370 aircraft from Japan’s Self-defence Forces and the U.S. military will participate in this year’s exercise, which will run till Nov. 19.

« By demonstrating Japan’s and the United States’ strong will and coordination, we aim to…